Chief Executive Officer, Panchayat and Rural Development Department

1. A Diverse Career of Service: Facilitating Smart Governance Across Sectors

Over the past 19 years, my journey in public service has taken me through diverse sectors, each with its unique challenges and learning opportunities. From healthcare and agriculture to tourism, public health engineering, and beyond, I've had the privilege of serving in multiple departments and across various districts in Chhattisgarh. This wealth of experience has shaped my vision for governance, centered around diversity, innovation, and inclusivity.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to work with communities directly, understanding their needs, concerns, and aspirations. Whether it was improving healthcare infrastructure, supporting rural development, or promoting tourism, each role provided a chance to make a real difference. As the Director of Health Services, for example, I had the opportunity to launch the 108 Emergency Ambulance Service, revolutionizing emergency care in the state. This initiative was a significant step forward in making healthcare accessible and responsive, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

In the field of agriculture and cooperative marketing, I had the privilege of leading the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Marketing Federation (MARKFED). My team and I developed an efficient paddy procurement system that ensured transparency and minimized transportation costs. We leveraged technology to make real-time payments to farmers a reality, which not only boosted their trust in the system but also ensured they received fair compensation for their produce without delay. Seeing the positive impact on farmers' lives was immensely satisfying and reaffirmed my belief in the power of technology for public good.

My tenure in the mining sector was another highlight, where we focused on digitizing the state's mineral resource management. The introduction of an online system for managing mining operations and a vehicle tracking system for mineral transport was aimed at ensuring transparency, reducing illegal mining, and optimizing revenue collection. This project was later recognized with the National e-Governance Award in 2018—a testament to the dedication of the entire team that worked tirelessly to make it a success

Working as Collector in various districts allowed me to implement innovative solutions on the ground. In Bilaspur, I experimented with using DGPS technology for land demarcation, which helped resolve long-pending land disputes in urban areas. This technology-driven approach not only reduced conflicts but also streamlined land management, making the process more transparent and accessible to the people. Additionally, I was proud to work on making Bilaspur a "Divyang-friendly" city, ensuring that people with disabilities had improved access to public facilities—a move that was recognized by the Honorable President of India in 2016.

In rural development, I served as CEO of Zila Panchayat Dantewada, where the focus was on improving skill development for tribal youth and generating employment opportunities in naxal-affected regions. We initiated skill-training programs that provided young people with the tools they needed to build a brighter future, and also collaborated with the Army Recruitment Office in Raipur to organize recruitment rallies, resulting in the induction of tribal youth into the Indian Army. These initiatives not only provided employment but also instilled a sense of pride and belonging among the youth, reinforcing their integration into the mainstream.

Diversity has always been the foundation of my career. I believe that true governance is about understanding the multifaceted needs of society and addressing them in an innovative and inclusive manner. My experience across these sectors has taught me that effective governance is not about a one-size-fits-all solution but rather about adapting strategies to meet local needs and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. This belief in smart governance—where data, technology, and empathy converge—continues to guide my efforts to bring about positive change.